UPDATE 11:03 a.m. Thursday: I posted a link on Facebook to Carter BloodCare. A friend wrote a comment that he had called Carter and was told it might be best to donate at one of their centers tomorrow or the next day. But donating at Medical City today is still a fine idea. Remember; the drive there closes at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

If you do donate in a day or so, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and to eat some spinach so your blood will be rich in iron.

UPDATE 7:22 a.m. Thursday: Had this note from Stacy Covitz at Medical City:

“I wanted to let you know I spoke with Carter Blood Center, and a spokesperson says they have already sent blood to the West, Texas area. Carter says it is the sole blood provider to central Texas, so donations from today’s event will likely follow.

Disasters like last night’s explosion are precisely why it is so important to keep a full blood supply in Texas.”

After the explosions at the Boston Marathon on Monday, I heard that people who had just run 26.2 miles almost immediately held out their arms and donated blood. So did a lot of other generous souls in Boston.

Giving blood is life-saving, most truly

Here in Dallas, I just know people are equally as generous. Plus, giving blood allows us to do something at a time when helplessness seems overwhelming. With that in mind, Medical City Children’s Hospitalis hosting a blood drive on Thursday from 7 a.m. (so you can stop en route to work) to 1:30 p.m. Go to the first-floor atrium, 7777 Forest Lane, and they’ll be waiting for you.

Not only do you get the satisfaction of perhaps saving a life or two or three (I’m quite serious) but you also — voila! A free breakfast from Original Pancake Houseand coupons from Run On.